■GINZA MATSUYA This is Ginza Matsuya, founded in 1925. There are four charms against evil, remained on the ceiling of the 1st floor. They are written in a type of Japanese writings, called 'Bonji.' There is a photo studio on the forth floor. They have been taking family pictures for more than 30 years. On the 7th floor, various functional and stylish living wares are put on display as Matsuyaﾕs suggestions at 'Design Collection.' ■GINZA HASSHO-NO CHI Going toward Kyobashi for a minute, there is a relief, introducing the place of dispatch of Ginza. In Edo Period, 'Gin-za' was placed here to typecast silver and to mint silver coins. ■ITOYA This is 'Itoya,' a stationary store. It is known as the first store to put up the sign using a foreign word 'stationary' in Japanese characters. Currently, there are three stores in Ginza. Each store has well trained staff with plenty of knowledge and a wide range of products. ■MONUMENT OF RENGA GINZA AND GAS LAMP 'Monument of Renga Ginza and Gas Lamp' are built in 1 chome, which is located at the East side of Ginza. Buildings built of blocks and gas lamps were famous in Ginza in Meiji Era, and some of them are still remained now. ■MONUMENT OF DENKI TOCHU Arc lamp was first lit in 1882. The monument of the arc lighting belongs here, though it is kept in the building, owing to alteration to Okura Main Building. ■WILLOWS IN GINZA Ginza is a reclaimed land, and many willows were planted here since willows have a tolerance for humidity. This is the monument that tells about planting willows in Ginza. The lyrics of 'Ginza no Yanagi' by Yaso Saijo is also curved on the monument. ■SHISEIDO PARLOR This is 'Shiseido Parlor, Ginza 4 chome Branch,' opened in 1997. The main store is located in 8chome, and the both stores have elegant atmosphere. 'Chicken Rice' and 'Beef Curry Rice' cooked, following their original recipes are popular. 'Kirei ni naru Menu' is also popular among ladies who care about their (diet) beauty and health. ■MIKOMOTO KOKICHI OKOSEKIKENSHOHI There is a monument of Kokichi Mikimoto, who is well known in the world as 'King of Pearl.' The monument is placed in front of the entrance of Mikimoto head store, along side the famous Christmas tree. ■YANANO INSTRUMENT Next to Mikimoto, there is Yamano Instrument, providing a variety of music related goods. They are also well stocked with DVDs. They hold concerts and autographing sessions at the hall on the 7th floor. ■KIMURAYA SOHONTEN This is Kimuraya Head Store. Their buns filled with bean paste still have been popular now. They mix sake yeast in dough. 'Welcome to Kimuraya. Our bread is the No.1 in the world. Please, come and try our historical and traditional bread,' says the staff. This is their famous 'Sakura Anpan.' ■WAKO This is the symbol of the 4chome crossing, 'Wako,' a department store. The building with distinctive gentle arc has Neo-Renaissance taste. They provide watches and bags on the 1st floor. Their products are carefully selected foreign brands and Wakoﾕs originals. Customers have confidence in the productsﾕ quality. ■ADAGIO Next to Wako, there is Wakoﾕs tea salon, 'Adagio.' They have a relaxing space for customers to enjoy their pastries on the 2nd floor. The tea salon is popular among the ladies, who come in neighbor for shopping. Their recommendation is 'Seasonal Dessert.' There is a pastry store on the 1st floor, where customers may purchase the same pastries as the ones served on the 2nd floor. The pastries are also popular for gifts. ■OJI HALL This is 'Oji Hall' that was first opened when the building of Oji Paper Co., Ltd. was built in 1992. The hall was built for small concerts, such as chamber music. The square shaped hall is called 'Shoe-box Style,' which allows performers and audience to be closer together. The concerts, presenting both domestic and foreign famous artists, always draw a large audience. ■GINZA MITSUKOSHI Ginza Mitsukoshi at the 4chome crossing has been a well-known department store since they first opened in 1930. The monument of a lion at the entrance is popular for a meeting spot. The basement, a grocery floor, has been just renewed last year, and it is always crowded mainly with female customers. The selected stores, such as 'Giotto,' a pastry shop, and 'Fujino,' a tofu shop, are popular. On the rooftop, there is 'Mori-no Gekijo.' The theatre is known as a gateway to success, as Hiroshi Itsuki, Shinichi Mori, and Hideki Saijo had performed here before they have become stars. ■GINZA SHUSSE JIZOSON The guardian deity of children for a successful career is also placed on the rooftop. Although the guardian deity had been lost many times, owing to earthquakes and a war, it had found from the ground every time. Therefore it is said to be God of successful career. That is all for this monthﾕs feature, 'Ginza 1chome to 4chome.' Please, enjoy exploring the city, and find your own interests there.